(Courtesy of JNF) A delegation of more than 250 Zionists from the Tri-State and Northern New Jersey areas united with 2,500 attendees at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel in Dallas from November 14-17, fueling torches of light that continue to shine brightly even in these darkest of times.
Conference participants included philanthropists, pro-Israel community members of all faiths and from 10 different countries, long-time Jewish National Fund-USA partners (donors), rabbis, clergy and cantors who attended the conference’s Rabbinical Summit, as well as teenagers and young adults who participated in the conference’s High School and College Summits.
“How incredible to see so many committed Zionists, people from all backgrounds, with different perspectives, coming together for a common goal — to ensure a strong Israel for all,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Chairman, Dr. Sol Lizerbram.
The spirit of “Am Israel Chai,” “the people of Israel live,” resounded throughout the Hilton Anatole as attendees bonded over a commitment to uphold and honor the shared principles that supporters of America and Israel so dearly value, sharing sentiments of solidarity, a celebration of Israeli resilience and a desire to reimagine a bright future for residents living in and currently evacuated from Israel’s North and South. They were also united by their collective determination to bring the remaining hostages back home and to rebuild the communities that experienced widespread devastation on October 7.
“As survivors of what has become the largest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust — and as witnesses to the most devastating tragedy since Israel’s founding — we carry an immense weight,” said Michal Uziyahu, mayor of the Eshkol region on the border with Gaza. “When confronted with such darkness, we face a crucial choice: we can passively watch as history unfolds around us, or we can actively choose to shape it.”
Scores of Israelis attended the event, including displaced residents of hard-hit communities like Kibbutz Re’im and Kibbutz Be’eri, civil defense officers who fought Hamas terrorists, American lone soldiers who moved to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), residents from northern Israel and others, including Olympian Peter Paltchik who represent Israel on the global stage.
“Together, we’re building a future that will have a lasting impact for generations to come,” said National Conference Co-Chair Michael Miller.
Featured speakers at the multi-day summit included the former commander of British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, Col. Richard Kemp; co-founder and CEO of Boundless and author of the newly-released book Stand-Up Nation, Aviva Klompas; Max Webb, emeritus rabbi, Sinai Temple, Rabbi David Wolpe; assistant professor of Management, Columbia University Business School, Shai Davidai; actor and comedian, Michael Rapaport, and Israeli leaders, including several mayors.
The presenters addressed a wide range of topics that are deeply meaningful to the global Jewish and Zionist communities, including efforts to rebuild the southern Israeli communities on the border with Gaza; campuses on the frontlines; ethics of war as it relates to the IDF; the safety and security of Jewish communities and other themes connected to Israel’s security, technology, resilience and culture.
“The Jewish National Fund-USA Global Conference for Israel was incredibly inspiring,” said Paula Star, Jewish National Fund-USA regional board member, Northern New Jersey and Rockland County, and regional chair of Women for Israel. “We were energized by the speakers. We drew strength from the proceedings and our dedication and support for Israel will only increase and remain strong.”
“This year’s convening in Dallas was a bright spot amidst very troubling times,” added Michelle Bernstein, vice president of Jewish National Fund-USA’s NYC Board. “The conference simultaneously reminded us of the constant struggles faced by Israelis but also reinvigorated us with stories of hope and inspiration that exist through our incredible affiliates and partners. We were reminded that as a people and as a nation, we will continue to thrive and flourish all over the world. We were reminded of the incredible community we have, as experienced by uniting with over 2,500 attendees — many of whom were college or high school students. The future is bright.”
Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2025 Global Conference for Israel will take place on October 23-26, 2025, in Hollywood, Florida. Early Bird Registration closes February 28, 2025. For more information, visit jnf.org/global2025 or contact [email protected].
